Tag Archives: #PaysdelaLoire

The Vendée boasts a fantastic network of cycle paths, covering a total distance of 1,100km… although the area is famed for its coastline which has some fantastic coastal cycling routes there are also lots of ‘must cycle’ inland bike routes as well!

There are many options, from short rides to longer tours over several days – all of which allow you to step back in history with routes which take you past beautiful chateaux, ancient villages and stunning countryside.

Here are three of our favorite routes…

Circuit de Grasla a la Chabotterie (12 km)

From La Chabotterie to Le Chêne Chevreux – our highlight is the ‘Logis de la Chabotterie’, a beautiful 18th-century home and stunning gardens, in Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon, Montréverd.

Here you can discover the history of the Vendée region as well as the Vendée’s role in the French Revolution. It is open all year and hosts many events and music festivals.

Circuit de Saint Aubin des Ormeaux à Tiffauges (9.4 km)

Featuring the impressive ‘Château de Gilles de Tiffauges’ which is thought of by many to be the greatest medieval site in the Vendée.

This magnificent fortress was erected during the 12th century and contains a feast of architectural treasures… step back in time to life in the middle Ages with activities and shows as well as the largest collection of working medieval war machines!

Circuit de Saint Mesmin à la Flocelière (15.4 km)

Along this route you will find two fascinating Chateaux…

The ‘Chateau de la Flocelière’ was built in the 11th century. It is one of just a few castles in France that has been inhabited for nearly 10 centuries with a comprehensive known history and descendant record dating back to 1090.

The ‘Château de Saint Mesmin’ is a medieval fortress from the fourteenth century. It is open all year and hosts a wide range of activities and workshops.

The vendee is positioned between two famous wine regions, north Loire valley and south Bordeaux. There are four main territories Brem, Mareuil, Pissotte and Vix, which benefit from the warm climate which is ideal for successful vineyards.

The White, Rose’ and Red wines from these areas are wines with a delicate bouquet with completely different characteristics and fragrances.

These wines have a very long history and date back to Roman times.

Traditionally these wines were made for the growers to enjoy with family and friends. However, the younger generation of winemakers are producing wine fit for the best tables anywhere!

When these wines first gained formal recognition they were known as ‘Anciens Fiefs du Cardinal’. In 1984, the wines were granted VDQS which is the second highest category status in French wine, and were known then simply as Fiefs-vendéens.

Then in 2011, the wines were finally classified as AOC, after decades of hard work and dedication to the constant improvement of quality and vineyard management. Before achieving this standard, these wines generally are not well known across France, let alone internationally. It was Vendee’s best kept secret.

You can find out more about the Vendeen wine industry in this short video:

Fiefs-vendéens Mareuil,is the biggest area covering the villages of Bessay, Chaillé-sous-les-Ormeaux, Le Champ-Saint-Père, Château-Guibert, Corpe, La Couture, Mareuil-sur-Lay-Dissais, Rosnay, Saint-Florent-des-Bois and Le Tablier between La Roche-sur-Yon and Luçon, and the coastal area Brem.

Red wines in the Mareuil area are made with Gamay, Pinot noir and Cabernet grapes, while the whites there are a blend of Chardonnay and Chenin blanc. The Brem reds are made with Pinot noir, Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Gamay and Négrette, and the whites with Grolleau gris and Chenin blanc. Vix has a similar mix of grapes, plus Sauvignon blanc, while in Pissotte the Melon de Bourgogne grape (best-known for its use in Muscadet wines) is also used for white wines.

Each of these areas has its own characteristics; in Brem the Atlantic Ocean and maritime climate are said to have an impact on the flavour. The whites are said to have a fragrance of apple. The reds from Mareuil are noted for their blackcurrant fragrance, while whites from Pissotte have a flinty quality.

We have the pleasure of trying these wines.

We cycling to our local vineyard Domaine de la Barbiniere, family estate with 75 acre vineyard in the central Bocage Vendeen Chantonnay. It was beautiful sunny afternoon to sample these fine wines.

There are so many vineyards to discover in this sunny region, and cycling is the best way to pop in a sample these quality wines!

So if your planning next years holiday hire some bikes and book before May for our early bird offer! And enjoy the freedom.

Now the shortest day has passed the days are getting lighter we can look forward to the spring and summer. Here in the Vendée we enjoy similar amounts of sunshine to the South of France and the Mediterranean… which is why this area is nicknamed the “Vendée Côte de Lumière” meaning Coast of Light!

We are looking forward to our Summer season – seeing and meeting new place and faces.

There is so much of the Vendée we have to discover.

There are 18 famous seaside resorts in the Vendée each one is individually different. Here are just a few…

We have tested many of these cycle routes which are great family cycling… complete with ice cream stops!

Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is the oldest Vendéen port and largest sardine port on the Atlantic coast.

Saint Jean de Mont is child friendly with gentle sloping sand.

Les Sables d’Olonnes is the seaside resort famous for its long beach and the Vendée globe. This non-stop single-handed yacht race around the world starts off from Les Sables d’Olonne with the the best sailors from around the world taking part in this internationally respected race which is held every four years.

The countdown has started for the 2016 race – the date for your diary is 6th November.

Inland we are looking forward to spending more time exploring the Marais Poitevin area with its unique mixture of canals and countryside… the vibrant colour making it known as the Green Venice.

History can be found round every corner in the Bocage area with Abbeys, Chateaux’s and winding rivers.

We love the stunning Mervert-Vouvant forest. This is the largest forest in the Vendée and has a beautiful lake running through it – this area is great for many sporting actives including of course our favorite… cycling!

Puy du Fou, the historical theme park in Les Epesses in the heart of the Vendée region, is the 4th most popular tourist attraction in France with 2 million visitors every year.

In 2016 this impressive historical theme park will be unveiling a new show… ‘Le Dernier Panache’ which will follow the story of a French naval office, a hero from the American war of independence, whose faces a last fight for freedom!

Did you know that the Vendée has the largest cycling network in France? Our aim in 2016 is to try more of these diverse routes!

Why not try one of these routes for yourself – give Bike Hire Direct Vendée a call… if you book before May 1st you can save with our ‘Early Bird Offer’.

We are very excited for 2016 – with bookings already confirmed for the year it is set to be another busy year for our teams delivering bikes across South West France.

So how can we help you in 2016?

Holidaying in France?

If you are coming on holiday to France why not consider hiring a bike?

Whether you want to hit the road to explore the region, keep the kids busy whilst you relax or simply would like to collect a baguette from the boulangerie each morning then a bike could be the perfect holiday activity for you!

Bike Hire Direct offer top quality, great value bikes with a wide range of accessories to suit all of your holiday needs. And with free helmets, locks, tool kits, delivery and collection with every bike hire you will have everything you need to get pedaling!

We can deliver bikes any day of the year at a time and location to suit you… why waste your precious holiday time picking up bikes from a shop when we will bring them to you.

For more information on bike hire please visit the Bike Hire Direct website… perhaps visit the ‘Cycling in France’ page to get some ideas of some great cycling routes or visit our ‘Enquiry and Booking’ page where you can contact one of our teams to find out how they can help.

Own holiday accommodation in France?

There are lots of holiday accommodation options across France – just how do you get potential visitors to pick your gite, hotel, chambre d’hotes or campsite over others?

Why not offer bike hire to your guests!

We know just how much hard work goes into running quality holiday accommodation and so Bike Hire Direct makes it easy for you to offer more to your guests.

Simply let your guests know that bike hire is available and we will do the rest – we have a range of leaflets, posters and emailable materials to make this easy. We will even deliver bikes to your accommodation for free!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Are you still looking for that perfect gift?

Each Bike Hire Direct team has compiled a list of traditional local items from the area they live… the perfect presents for the Francophile in your life!

Charente

Pineau des Charentes

The most obvious gift from the Charente area would of course be Cognac – however, Cognac has a lesser known, but equally delicious relation… Pineau des Charentes.

‘Discovered’ by accident in 1589 when a winemaker accidentally added grape must to a barrel of Cognac Eau de vie, Pineau des Charentes is available in either red or white and is best enjoyed chilled.

For a full range of Pineau des Charentes drinks as well as edible gifts made from Pineau des Charentes take a look at www.cognacpainturaud.com where you can buy online or visit them and buy direct after a thorough tasting!

If you are looking for Cognac then we recommend our local distillery Marancheville… who believe that Cognac is not only for connoisseurs but a ‘moment of pleasure’ for everyone. You can buy online or arrange a visit here https://www.cognac-marancheville.com

Charantaise Slippers

Charentaise slippers are internationally renowned for being the most comfortable, cosiest, practical slippers ever!

Initially invented in the Charente during Louis XIV’s reign, by cobblers using felt cut-offs from military uniforms, the slipper was first used as a foot protector inside wooden clogs. Since 1907 the Rondinaud family, based in La Rochefoucauld, produced the modern slipper still available today…. remarkably it has kept the same shape since its creation in the 17th century!

It is now available in a wide range of colours and styles so take a peek at the official Rondinaud website to find the perfect pair… http://boutique.rondinaud.com

Charente Maritime

Ile de Re Salt

If your loved one has something gold on their Christmas list this year why not surprise them with some salt from the Ile de Re or French ‘white gold’ as it is known!

The island has been used to farm salt since the 13th century when it was introduced by Cistercian Monks. At its peak the island was producing over 32,000 tonnes of salt each year and even now almost 3,000 tonnes is produced and known internationally as a specialised delicacy.

You can buy the salt to be used in cooking or in a variety of other delicious treats such as chocolate and ice cream! Buy direct online here: http://www.sel-de-mer.com

Dordogne

If you are looking for a gift for a ‘Foodie’ then anything from the Dordogne area will be perfect!

Not only famous for its wines the Dordogne is world renowned for its edible delicacies… most especially

Black truffles‘Diamonds are a girls best friend’ so why not buy one for your loved one… a black diamond! Dordogne truffles are known as black diamonds as they are hard to find and therefore more expensive than other mushrooms.

Grown locally near oak, hazelnut or chestnut trees these highly sought after delicacies are used to flavour dishes such as omelettes with a distinct powerful flavour.

Fois GraisTravel anywhere in the Dordogne and the signs advertising Fois Grais are everywhere – no visit to the area is complete without stopping for a meal of this mouth-watering delicacies either on bread, in salad or as a main dish.

Since 1797 the Haute Vienne area has been known for its beautiful delicate porcelain.

Royal Limoges is the oldest existing porcelain factory… since 1816 it has been based close to the Vienne river which used to convey the wood for its kilns. A traditional producer the raw materials came from its kaolin and the clay was prepared in its own mills.

Today the company still makes its own clay which is used to make Porcelain featuring exclusive designs by a team of style specialists or by using designs submitted by customers directly.

Keep your loved one warm this winter and treat them to some handmade leather gloves.

Since the XIth or XIIth centuries, Saint-Junien in the Haute Vienne, has been known as the capital of leather and leather gloves. The town is perfectly positioned between two rivers; the Vienne and Gland – ideal for the production of leather which requires vast amounts of water.

Although the number of skilled leather craftmakers has declined in the area Saint-Junien still has three glove makers who supply everyday gloves as well as high end couture gloves for designers such as Dior and Louis Vuitton.

France is known around the world as THE producer of quality wine. However, some areas are less well known than others… one such hidden gem is the Vendee area.

Blessed with one of the warmest climates in France the area has been used to produce quality wines since the Roman times. Monks then developed the vineyards… which are now a flourishing industry with larger winemakers and thousands of smaller family owned producers.

The larger suppliers have collaborated to create the logo ‘Fiefs Vendéen’ – delicious wines with a unique flavour.

You can find a list of local producer and buy direct http://www.fiefsvendeens.com

And if you are still looking for the perfect gift… why not give the ultimate Christmas present… a Bike Hire Direct hire package!

When we think back to the our favorite bike rides of the summer we always remember the great afternoon cycling to Touchegray-Moulin Neuf, Chantonnay.

We cycled along the peaceful country lanes to the barrage l’Angle Guignard. This concrete dam was built in 1951 its 10 meters high and 140 meters long, on the river “Grand Lay” It supplies drinking water with capacity of 24,000 m³ a day. The lake area is 55 hectares and 1.8 million m3 of water.

A contrast from the peacefulness is the sound of the roaring water.

Ample of picnic tables with plenty of shade are dotted along the river bank, ideal spot to take a break or leisurely lunch.

We carried on and slowly cycled up the hill taking in the amazing views on the way.

At the top of the hill we came to the hamlet Fuiteau. This is where the three water towers are situated they are joined together a rare and imposing sight especially up close. We see them every day in the distance on our doggie walks. Water towers are pretty simple machines. The clean treated water is pumped up into the towers, where it is stored. Three towers hold 3000 cubic meters of water, there is enough pressure to feed the towns that depend on it. The water pump utilize the pull of gravity to provide high water pressure. Because they work with gravity, they have to be taller than the buildings they’re providing water to. Each additional foot of height in a water tower increases water pressure. These towers are 52 metres high. Their location at top the hill Fuiteau is a visible presence in the landscape of the Vendée. They are the symbol of the most important advances in rural life in the middle of the 20th century, the arrival of running water.

These tower are huge!

Follow the steep road to the Lac de Touchegray Moulin lined with trees, views of the lake. The joining of two lakes is formed by the junction of the rivers Petit and Grand Lay.

Beautiful views of the lake, picnic area and kayaks for hire. Here we found the Moulin neuf hotel and restaurant where we stopped for a while and took in the wonderful views trying to spot a heron or a kingfisher.

In the Pays de Chantonnay there are three lakes that are formed by the dam reservoirs they are ideal areas for walking and relaxation. Each lake is different.

The lake Vouraie is more for sports mountain bikes riding and running. Lakes Touchegray Moulin Neuf – Rochereau and are intended more for families with water activities and playgrounds.

These beautiful lakes are perfect for walking, fishing, boating and cycling – give Bike Hire Direct Vendée a call… we can deliver your bikes anywhere in the Vendée and you can explore these wonderful views for yourselves.

Back at the start of October over 140 cyclist departed from the centre of Olonnes sur Mer and cycled 201kms though many towns and villages in the Vendee to the final destination Place Napoléon, La Roche-sur-yon.

People gathered dotted along the course, waiting for the caravane to pass by. Whistles and horns blowing, light flashing people cheering and waving. The cars passed by throwing posters, key rings, pens, balloons, sweets and goodies to the spectators.

The marshals stopped the traffic so the caravane to pass though.

We got a few photos of the cyclist as they shot pass the average speed 40km per hour.

Within seconds they were gone!

The support teams followed.

One of the on lookers was George Clemenceau the monument at St Hermine.

George Clemenceau was born September 28th 1841 in Mouilleron-en-Pareds, he spent most of his childhood in La Reorthe (where the Vendee team are based)

He was a French statesman and led the nation in the First World War. He was Prime Minister of France from 1906 to 1909, and again 1917 to 1920. In favour of a total victory over the German Empire, he influenced the restitution of Alsace-Lorraine to France. Clemenceau was one of the main negotiators of the peace treaties. The events of the 1914-1918 war brought him the nickname “Tiger” and “Father of Victory”. He died 24th November 1929 in Paris.

Why not try your own ‘Tour de Vendee’… for more information on cycling in the Vendee take a look at the local ‘Cycling Routes in Vendee‘…. Bike Hire Direct can deliver bikes direct to to you across the area ready for you to enjoy!

We love our job, meeting so many lovely people from different parts of the world. All enjoying the same freedom of riding a bike on their holiday.

Saint Gilles Croix de Gilles.

Many of our customers have never been on a bike since they were children. They start off very wobbly and very nervous. Cheered on by the kids, after a few turns of the pedals and they are happily riding again. As they say “it’s like riding a bike you never forget”

Once off there is no stopping, off to the bakers to get the baguette & croissants. The roads and lanes are perfect, and once on the cycle routes discovering the area is perfect for the whole family. Take a picnic and ride into the coastal forest or a ride to the beach or sleepy hamlets. It’s the best way to get around, leave the car. It’s great fun for the whole family. Many of our customers hope to continue cycling when they return home.

The Mervent forest cycle routes.

We have delivered many of our bikes to the north of the Vendée and waved couples off on
their tour of the coast following the coastal path.

The freedom of stopping overnight in hotels, B&B’S and even in tents camping… There are so many beautiful villages with sea food restaurants to take a break or a spot of lunch and watch the world go by.

We then collected the bikes 5 or 7 days later or longer depending how long they need to reach their destination, In the south of the Vendée or Niort, even La Rochelle. It’s pleasure to listen to their great cycling adventure.

Morning delivery at Saint Jean de Monts.

It can also get emotional collecting the bikes as the families have had such a great time they what to take the bikes home, on top of many children’s wish list for their next birthday is a bike like ours!

While traveling, we see a bit more of the Vendée and are enjoying what it has to offer. Beautiful towns, villages, hamlets and hidden gems idyllic places.

Cathedral at Lucon.

Stunning chateau, manor houses, gites and campsites, no two days are the same in the Vendée!

Mervent forest

We are looking forward to some cycling time ourselves over the autumn /winter discovering new routes in the Vendée.

Heading home after a long day, with a sunset like this it’s just perfect…

Autumn is a beautiful season in France – gorgeous countryside in a blaze of autumnal colours and weather still sunny and warm… perfect to enjoy a bike ride!

However autumn also sees the start of hunting season – a pastime enjoyed by thousands across France. Every Sunday you can expect to find troops of hunters dressed in camouflage green with a gun across their shoulders and a trusted hunted dog by their side roaming the countryside.

Unfortunately accidents do happen and every year a number of hunters and passersbys do get injured or killed by accidental shootings.

It is therefore particular important that if you plan to cycle, hike or enjoy the French countryside you take additional precautions to ensure you stay safe.

All the areas that Bike Hire Direct cover have ACCA (Associations Communales de Chasse Agréées) or AICA (Associations Intercommunales de Chasse Agréées ) in place which means hunting, with a few exceptions, is allowed anywhere in the area without the landowners consent.

So how do you stay safe? Simply follow the Bike Hire Direct cycling safe guidelines…

Here are our top 10 ways that you can cycle safely in France during the hunting season:

1. Wear bright clothing

Make sure you can be seen… the best way to stand out is to wear something bright orange or yellow.

2. Avoid certain colours

Make sure you don’t look like an animal and avoid earth and animal colours such as browns and tans. Also avoid white as a flash of white could be mistaken for a deer tail.

3. Avoid or take extra care on hunt day

Hunting is allowed on any day of the week, however, as most people have Sunday off of work it is particularly popular then and in some areas Wednesday afternoons. Therefore plan your bike ride around these times or if you do cycle on this days make note of the other guidelines in this list!

4. Make noise

Again make sure you are not mistaken for an animal… whistle, clap, and laugh – this may not make you popular with the hunters if you ruin a good shot but a frown from a disgruntled hunter is better than some pellets on your derrière!

5. Make yourself known to hunters

If you want to follow a particular route and know that the local hunt will be out then take time to stop, say hello and let them know you will be in the area.

6. Know when the hunting season runs

For most of SW France the hunting season runs from 13th September to 29 February for Charente, Charente Maritime, Deux Sevres, Gironde, Haute Vienne, Vendee and the Vienne.

The exceptions are on the L’ile d’Aix (Charente Maritime) which starts on the 20th September and Niort (Deux Sevres) which starts on the 27th September.

The Dordogne hunting season is is from 14th September to 28 February.

7. Stick to recognised routes

If cycling during a hunt day stick to either official cycling routes or follow establish hiking paths, lanes and roads.

8. Be aware of your surroundings

On hunt days be aware if what is going on around you… don’t wear headphones, be alert for hunters and be ready to take precautionary measures if necessary.

9. Avoid key hunting times

Take extra when cycling at dawn and dusk… this is when visibility is low and for many hunters a great time to be out as many species make the most of this normally quiet time.

10. Read the signs

Make sure you are familiar with the hunting signs you may come across which can help you recognise where hunting is allowed or prohibited.

However, please note that there are actually no formal requirements for landowners to display signs and unfortunately many are ignored by hunters.

The signs can fall into three categories:

Hunting not allowed – as declared by land owner:

– Chasse interdite
– Refuge ASPAS – chasse interdite

Hunting not allowed – land is designated a reserve (however hunting can and does happen deepening on local agricultural policy):

We love going to the Vendee coast delivering and collecting as there is always a real holiday buzz… the smell of the sea and aroma of food, frites, candy floss, churros and the BBQ smoke from the campsites.

The Vendee is known throughout France for its wide range of food unique to the region.

Seafood

With its beautiful long coastline and rich Atlantic seas there is a strong fishing tradition in
the Vendee.

Fish and shellfish are specialities with mussels from L’Aiguillon, sardines from St Gille Croix de Vie and oysters from the Bay of Bourgneuf.

Restaurants’ dotted along the coast serving so many different dishes it’s a hard choice.

Fish soup is speciality of the Vendee, as well as Mouclade mussels with white wine, butter, saffron and crème fraiche, delicious with bread to soak up the juices.

Poultry

A wide variety of poultry is raised in large numbers in the region. Particularly well regarded are the free-range chickens raised around the town of Challans north of the Vendee.

The largest quantity of foie gras in France comes from the Vendee. We have seen many of these duck farms while cycling though the countryside.

Jambon de Vendée

A raw ham cured by hand in dry salt, rubbed with wine brandy and natural herbs.

It’s then wrapped in cloth and pressed between two boards giving it a rectangular shape. The drying stage is short, due to the ham being pressed.

The ham can be served raw often with a juicy Charentais melon or simply with bread or cut into thick slices and either grilled or fried like bacon.

When cooked is often served with locally grown white haricot beans known as la mogettes.

Mogettes

Mogettes were introduced to the Vendee by monks in the 16th century.

Every year in August 14th this year is the “Fete de la Mogette” its held at Poire sur Vie. Thousands of people go to the all-day event. Where they beat the beans.

These beans can also be eaten plain just with a knob of butter or as a side vegetable.

Connoisseurs will have them on toast, the bread is rubbed with garlic, buttered and covered with hot mogettes. Beans on toast!! (Personally I prefer Heinz).

Potatoes

The sweet and best tasting potatoes are grown on the Ile de Noirmoutier.

La Bonnotte variety is the most expensive potato in the world costing 500 euros per kg. They are grown in just 90 days and need to be fertilized with algae and seaweed to give them a distinct earthy and salty flavour.

The potatoes are so delicate they have to be handpicked and are only served in the most luxurious restaurants.

Préfou

Years ago when bread ovens were wood fired, bakers would check the temperature by taking a bit of dough called “préfour” (pre-oven) tossing it into the hot oven to see how long it took to cook.

Not wanting to waste this, it was then spread with a mixture of butter, and garlic. Vendee traditional garlic bread Préfou is enjoyed with an aperitif or starter.

Brioche

Brioche is the most famous sweet rich and fluffy bread made with eggs and butter. Made into different shapes and plaited before baking. This is delicious for breakfast with jam or chocolate spread. I remember when staying in the vendee on holiday, our kids loved it any time of the day.

Salt

The main ingredient in many of the regions recipes is the fleur de sel. Sea salt grown in the salt marshes at Les Sables d’Olonne and Ile d’Olonne its known as the ‘white gold’.

There is a cycle route from Brem- sur mer / Les Sbles d’ olonne 20kms, take a tour and discover the white gold for yourself. Sheep are grazed on the salt marshes in the north and produces succulent lamb with a characteristic “iodised” flavour.

Why not sample it all… then jump on one of our bikes and burn those extra calories off!